Lexical Summary tilló: To pluck, to pull out Original Word: τίλλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pluck. Perhaps akin to the alternate of haireomai, and thus to suro; to pull off -- pluck. see GREEK suro see GREEK haireomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition to pluck, to pluck off NASB Translation pick (1), picking (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5089: τίλλωτίλλω; imperfect ἔτιλλον; from Homer down; to pluck, pluck off: στραχυας, Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23 (on this cf., p. 524b top); Luke 6:1. Topical Lexicon Root Idea and ImageryThe verb behind Strong’s Greek 5089 evokes the simple act of plucking—gently separating grain kernels from stalks by rubbing them between the fingers. It is an intentionally light, small-scale motion, neither reaping for profit nor exerting heavy labor. In Scripture the image functions as a hinge between daily sustenance and deeper questions of lawful behavior before God. Scriptural Occurrences Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23; Luke 6:1. Each passage narrates the same historical moment: the disciples, walking with Jesus on the Sabbath, “began to pick heads of grain” (Matthew 12:1). Luke 6:1 clarifies that they were also “rubbing them in their hands” to eat. The action is modest; the controversy it sparks is momentous. First-Century Agrarian Context Jewish law permitted travelers to glean handfuls from a neighbor’s field (Deuteronomy 23:25). Such gleaning preserved social generosity while safeguarding against commercial exploitation. Plucking grain spoke of covenant community: Israel’s land was ultimately God’s, so a hungry wayfarer need not starve. The practice was common enough that Pharisees could observe it in real time as Jesus and His disciples moved through Galilee’s ripening fields. Sabbath Controversy and Christological Claim The Pharisees interpreted the disciples’ motion as harvesting and threshing, activities forbidden on the Sabbath (Exodus 34:21). Jesus responds in each Gospel account by appealing to Scripture (David eating the consecrated bread, priests laboring in the Temple) and by declaring, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8). The small verb tillō becomes the flashpoint for proclaiming His messianic authority. A minor agricultural gesture unveils the greater truth that Sabbath finds its fulfillment in Christ, who grants true rest (Hebrews 4:9-10). Theological Reflections 1. Mercy over ritual: The narrative illustrates Hosea 6:6—God desires mercy, not sacrifice. Legitimate hunger outweighed meticulous rule-keeping. Practical Ministry Applications • Pastoral care: Minor infractions often mask deeper spiritual hunger. Address the heart, not merely the habit. Homiletical Insights A sermon may contrast the Pharisees’ clenched fists with the disciples’ open hands. The quiet rustle of grain between fingers becomes a parable: grace is received, not earned. Preachers can invite hearers to “pluck” the promises of God, savoring them without fear of legalistic condemnation. Historical Significance for Early Church Early Christian readers, many worshiping on the first day of the week, looked back on these texts for guidance in Sabbath-related disputes (see Colossians 2:16). The verb underscores continuity with Israel’s Scriptures while affirming the new covenant freedom inaugurated by Christ. Devotional Reflection Pause to imagine walking with Jesus through golden fields. Hear the husks crackle in your palm. The Lord who sanctions a humble snack also sustains your soul. Let the act of plucking remind you that in Him every need—physical and spiritual—is met with compassionate authority. Forms and Transliterations ετιλλον έτιλλον ἔτιλλον τετιλμένου τιλλειν τίλλειν τιλλοντες τίλλοντες etillon étillon tillein tíllein tillontes tíllontesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 12:1 V-PNAGRK: καὶ ἤρξαντο τίλλειν στάχυας καὶ NAS: and began to pick the heads KJV: began to pluck the ears of corn, INT: and began to pluck [the] heads of grain and Mark 2:23 V-PPA-NMP Luke 6:1 V-IIA-3P Strong's Greek 5089 |
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